Tasty Tales and Tips from a Culinary Traveler in Italy and France

July 06, 2009

Lo Spritz -- Happy Hour in Venice

Spritz is a neon orange or sometimes neon red aperitivo. During the evening, these brightly colored drinks fill outdoor tables and line bars throughout Venice. They're available at the Piazza San Marco and on terraces of swanky Venetian hotels. You can also do as Venetians do and find the smallest, oldest bar in the neighborhood, squeeze through the crowd and flailing hands of Italian conversations, order one, and go outside to drink while sitting on the pavement.

Spritz contains prosecco or white wine, a bitter liqueur of either Campari or Aperol (Aperol is a little sweeter than Compari), and sparkling mineral water. It also has an olive and slice of orange, and you usually get a little bowl of potato chips on the side. I've read and heard arguments about where to find the best Spritz, but I believe you find the best Spritz at a bar with an awesome view and with a group of friends.

My favorite places to have a Spritz in Venice always include a beautiful view.

Along the Fondamenta Zattere, I usually finish a morning of walking with a Spritz or two. The Fondamenta looks onto the Island of Giudecca. On Saturdays you can watch the cruise ships on their way out to sea, and waive at the passengers.

The "Erbaria di Rialto" which is behind the Rialto Market and looks onto the Grand Canal. There are four restaurants that also serve appetizers before and after meal times. I prefer to go after lunchtime and get bruschetta and a Spritz. Also at night, you can get a Spritz from one of the bars that are opened late and sit on the canal bank.

Campo Santa Margherita is near my school. It's also near the Italian University. The weekend starts on Thursday evening here, and there are several bars packed with overflow running onto the campo.

Along the banks of Guidecca, you can sip a Spritz and watch the city of Venice magically float on the lagoon. From this view you may never want to leave.

One suggestion, though, if you don't plan on eating your potato chips, don't leave them on the table. You might get attacked by the birds like I did.

Here is an adapted recipe for Spritz that I received from the Istituto di Venezia, where I'm taking Italian classes.

Lo Spritz

Serves 4

1 cup Prosecco or dry white wine

1 cup Campari or Aperol

1 cup Sparkling Mineral Water

Mix together and pour in a short glass with the usual one ice cube. Add an olive and orange slice to each glass. Cin Cin and Enjoy!

Ah, the cute birds attacked your potato chips. What a delightful picture. Drinking Spritz's at the different establishments must have made for a perfect day in Venice. Sounds totally relaxing to me.
Jozee

I'll have a Lo Spritz please with chips. What great scenery to enjoy an aperitif. I'm going to be on the lookout for Aperol. Campari is a little bitter for me, however I do love the Negroni with Campari, sweet vermouth and gin.
Sam